Gumtree SA Study Fund Requirements and Online Application
The Gumtree SA Study Fund is not a traditional, full-cost bursary programme tied to a specific field of study or work-back agreement.
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Based on past cycles, the Gumtree SA Study Fund has been run as an annual cash prize competition or giveaway intended to assist students with their tertiary expenses.
The focus is on finding a few deserving candidates rather than funding hundreds of students in a specific pipeline.
The competition appears to be inactive and has not been advertised in its traditional format for several years.
Gumtree SA Study Fund Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility criteria for the Gumtree SA Study Fund were broad, as the award was a cash prize and not tied to specific qualifications.
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 18 years or older.
- Be currently enrolled or intending to enroll for any type of study (high school, college, university, or other tertiary institution).
- The competition generally had no specific academic requirements (e.g., minimum aggregate), but applicants needed to demonstrate their motivation and financial need.
Fields of Study Supported
The fund was not limited to any specific field of study.
Because it was a general cash prize, students in any discipline, from the Arts and Humanities to Engineering and Health Sciences, were eligible to apply.
Gumtree SA Study Fund Application Process
The application process for the Gumtree SA Study Fund was exceptionally simple, focusing on a motivational essay rather than extensive documentation.
- Write a Motivational Essay: The core of the application was a short essay, typically no more than 150 words, detailing why the applicant deserved to win the cash prize.
- Submit Online or via Email: Applications were submitted either through a dedicated page on the Gumtree website or via a specific email address provided in the contest announcement.
- Include Personal Details: The entry had to include the applicant’s full name, postal address, contact number, and email address.
Required Documents
The only document required was the motivational essay itself, along with the contact details.
No certified copies of ID, Matric results, or proof of registration were required at the initial entry stage, as it was a competition.
The Award
The Gumtree Study Fund was awarded as a cash prize, not as a full bursary covering tuition directly.
- Total Prize Fund: The total fund was generally around R20,000 (this amount is subject to change).
- Winners: The fund was often divided among three winners: one winner receiving a larger cash prize (e.g., R10,000) and two runners-up receiving smaller amounts (e.g., R5,000 each).
- Usage: The winners received the cash to use as needed for tuition, books, accommodation, or other study-related costs.
Gumtree SA Study Fund Closing Date
The Gumtree SA Study Fund competition is considered discontinued. There is no confirmed 2026 closing date.
Gumtree SA Study Fund Contact Details
There are no currently active contact details for the Gumtree SA Study Fund.
General enquiries related to Gumtree should be directed to their customer support channels.
FAQs
No. It was a cash prize competition or giveaway, not a full bursary that covered tuition and required a service contract.
No. The fund appears to be inactive and has not opened for new applications since 2015. There is no official call for the 2026 academic year.
No. Because it was a general cash prize, students in any field of study, from high school to university, were eligible to apply when the competition was active.
No. The main requirement was a strong motivational essay detailing why the applicant deserved the funds, rather than a minimum aggregate or specific subject pass marks.
No. As a cash prize competition, there was no service obligation or work-back contract associated with the award.
The total fund was usually R20,000, divided among three winners, with the main winner receiving a larger share (e.g., R10,000).
The official application page and email address used for previous competitions are likely inactive. Trying to apply now will likely be unsuccessful.
Yes. The fund was open to any student currently enrolled or planning to enrol at a tertiary institution, which included postgraduate students.
No. The entry only required the motivational essay and personal contact information. Documentation was usually only required from the winners for verification purposes.
For general funding, you should investigate awards from NSFAS, banks (e.g., Absa, FNB), and large foundations like the HCI Foundation or StudyTrust, which cover multiple fields of study.
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